In July 2023, tragedy struck for two black bear cubs in California when their mother was found dead. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) quickly stepped in to rescue the orphaned cubs, who were unable to survive on their own without their parent. The first cub was rescued on July 4, 2023, followed by the second cub on July 7, 2023.
The cubs were taken to the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center, where they would spend the next 10 months under the care of wildlife rehab specialists. During their time at the center, the cubs were closely monitored with minimal human contact to prevent them from becoming habituated to humans. The goal was to ensure that they retained their wild instincts and behaviors.
The young bears were housed in an outdoor enclosure that replicated their natural habitat. The enclosure was filled with native plants and substrates, including California live oak, pine, clover, mulberry branches, and more. The cubs were provided with a diet of fruits, vegetables, nuts, peanut butter, and bear chow to meet their nutritional needs.
Andy Blue, the campus director of the Ramona Wildlife Center, highlighted the challenges of raising wild bears in captivity. Bears consume over 10 pounds of food per day, making it essential to carefully plan their feeding schedule to avoid leaving human scents behind. The staff at the center worked diligently to provide enrichment activities that allowed the cubs to exhibit their natural behaviors.
After months of care and preparation, the two black bear cubs were deemed healthy and ready to return to the wild. On May 15, 2024, the CDFW released the bears into the San Bernardino National Forest, near the area where they were initially found. The cubs were fitted with GPS collars to track their movements and ensure their successful reintroduction to their natural habitat.
The successful return of these two black bear cubs to the wild is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the San Diego Humane Society’s wildlife team. Their commitment to providing quality care and rehabilitation for orphaned wildlife plays a crucial role in preserving and protecting California’s diverse ecosystem. The story of these cubs serves as a heartwarming reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation efforts and the impact of human intervention in saving and restoring precious animal lives.